Quentin’s Paper Fan

Quentin and Barry fold a red paper fan at the garden table. Mum shows them how to make each fold match the last. Matching folds help the fan open evenly.

Quentin waves it beside his face. The narrow handle begins to tear. He stops and lays it on the table before the paper splits all the way through.

Barry looks at the handle. He notices Quentin's tight grip. “Perhaps we can make that part stronger,” he says. He keeps his fingers away from the torn edge.

Mum brings a small roll of clear tape from their craft box. They close the fan and wrap a short piece around the handle. It joins the torn paper firmly together.

Quentin opens the fan slowly while Barry watches the repaired part. The folds spread out again. The handle stays together when Quentin makes a gentle wave.

Barry takes a turn and feels the cool air against his cheek. He uses a light grip, so he can move the fan without squeezing its paper handle.

They sit beneath the veranda and share the fan while Mum reads a story. When one boy turns a page, the other makes a soft breeze for them both.

After the story, they fold the fan closed and put it in their craft box. “We made the weak part stronger,” says Quentin, “and gentle hands helped it last.”